As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp here in Southwest Michigan, I'm reminded of the many seasons we go through as educators. Just as nature shifts from summer to fall, teachers continually adapt to new challenges, approaches, and expectations in the classroom. However, amidst the constant evolution in education, one thing remains steadfast: the pressure many teachers feel to find and follow the "right way" to teach.

​In this blog post, inspired by a conversation with my sixth-grade son, I want to explore the myth of the "right way" in teaching and how it impacts our mental health as educators.

This exchange with my son led to a deeper reflection on a common struggle many teachers face: the search for the "right way.”
The education world is constantly bombarded with new strategies, curricula, and programs, each promising to be the new ultimate solution. These methods are often marketed as the "right way" to teach, leaving teachers (and districts and administrators) feeling pressured to adopt them, sometimes at the expense of their own instincts and creativity.

But here's the truth: there is no universally "right" way to teach. Education is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. What works in one classroom might not work in another, and that's okay.

The pursuit of the "right way" can be paralyzing. I’ve seen it in my own teaching experience and have heard it from countless colleagues and clients. We spend hours researching, scouring teaching blogs, or asking for advice, all in an attempt to find that perfect method. This can lead to decision paralysis, where we’re so consumed by finding the best approach that we fail to make any progress.

I remember one instance early in my career when I wanted to teach my students how World War II began. I fell down a research rabbit hole, trying to create the perfect Slides presentation. Hours later, I realized I had spent the entire day researching and had nothing but a title slide. I was so focused on doing it "right" that I lost sight of the objective: to give my students a basic understanding of the war.

This obsession with perfection isn't just time-consuming; it can also be damaging to our mental health. When we constantly question our methods or compare ourselves to others, it leads to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. We start to believe that if a lesson doesn’t go perfectly, it’s a reflection of our worth as teachers.

This mindset can be particularly harmful in education, where teachers are already under immense pressure. The constant push for perfection can lead to burnout, stress, and a diminished sense of self-worth.​

So, how can teachers break free from the myth of the "right way"? Here are a few strategies that will help you let go of striving for perfection in your classroom:

Teaching is a challenging and rewarding profession, but it's also one where we can easily fall into the trap of seeking the "right way." Remember, there is no universal right way to teach.

Trust yourself, be kind to yourself, and know that your best is enough.